A form of oxygen with a peculiar pungent odor suggesting weak chlorine, produced when an electric spark or ultraviolet light is passed through air or oxygen.

It is found in the atmosphere in minute quantities; especially, after a thunderstorm or around electrical equipment, where it is a powerful oxidizing agent, and it is biologically corrosive.

In the upper atmosphere, it absorbs ultraviolet rays and forms a protective layer against excess ultraviolet radiation, thereby preventing such rays from reaching the surface of the earth.

Ozone is used for bleaching, sterilizing water, purification of drinking water, and as an oxidizing agent.

A mixture of ethyl ether, ethanol, and hydrogen peroxide which is used as an antiseptic.

A term for the recently observed thinning of the ozone layer over the Antarctic region during the spring months.

The ozone hole has grown in size and annual length of existence over the past decades.

A chemical compound; such as, carbon monoxide, methane, non-methane hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides, which in the presence of solar radiation will react with other chemical compounds to form ozone.

The layer of ozone which hangs in the atmosphere from 20 to 40 miles above the surface of the earth and protects the earth from excessive ultraviolet radiation.

Some experts claim that the manufacture of various chemicals; such as, chlorofluorocarbons used as propellants in aerosol sprays, and the effects of high-flying jet aircraft are destroying this protective layer and allowing excessive amounts of ultraviolet radiation to penetrate the earth's atmosphere; therefore, subjecting humans to increased dangers of skin cancer and other health problems.

An abnormal condition caused by the inhalation of ozone that may seep into jet aircraft at altitudes over 40,000 feet.

It involves headaches, chest pains, itchy eyes, and sleepiness and is more prevalent early in the year and occurs more often over the Pacific Ocean.

A classification for chemical compounds which contribute to the loss of ozone in the kupper atmosphere; majore examples include: chlorofluorocarbons, hydrochlorofluorocarbons, halons, methyl bromide, carbon tetrachloride, and methyl chloroform.

They are generally stable in the troposphere and only degrade under intense ultraviolet light in the stratosphere, at which time they release chlorine or bromine atoms, which in turn deplete the ozone.

A description of the potential of a given substance to contribute to the loss of ozone in the stratosphere.

1. A region in the upper atmosphere, about 6–30 miles (10–50 kilometers) high, with significant concentrations of ozone, formed by the effect of solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation on oxygen and also present in trace quantities elsewhere in earth's atmosphere.
2. The layer of the upper atmosphere, from 15 to 50 kilometers (10 to 30 miles) above the earth's surface, where most atmospheric ozone collects, absorbing harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

In the 1980's it was realized that industrial pollutants such as CFC's were damaging the ozone layer and that holes had appeared in it, especially over the Antarctic.

CFC refers to a gas containing carbon, hydrogen, chlorine, and fluorine; some forms of which are said to damage the ozone layer in the earth's atmosphere.